Watson has successful thumb surgery

Guard Earl Watson is expected to be ready in time for the debut of Oklahoma City's new NBA franchise following surgery on his right thumb.

Erik Bedard, Mariners shut down Tigers 4-1

Raul Ibanez clanged a solo home run off the windows of a restaurant in right field and a pair of Seattle relievers helped finish what Erik Bedard started in the Mariners' 4-1 win over the Detroit Tigers on Friday.

Cruise ship discharges studied

Federal and state environmental regulators are allowing several cruise ships to release their wastewater into Skagway waters as part of a research project.

Edgewood City Hall mislocated during construction

The new City Hall in this suburb east of Tacoma is not being built where it was planned, and officials want to know why.

State sued over rape-murder in `Cowboy Mike' case

Washington state is being sued over a rape and murder by Michael John Braae, 48, a former country singer known as "Cowboy Mike," while he was on parole.

N. Idaho police subdue elderly driver after chase

A 75-year-old man is being held on felony charges after municipal police say he led them on a high-speed chase in which four patrol cars and five other vehicles were damaged.

Everett man's face adorned with patriotic tattoos

Sam Bloomfield presses his hands together and casts his eyes skyward in thanks for his country.

Woman and boyfriend arrested in killing in Sultan

A woman and her boyfriend have been arrested in the killing of her former boyfriend in Sultan.

Salmon escape from Canadian fish farm probed

The escape of 30,000 Atlantic salmon, one of the largest from a British Columbia fish farm in recent years, is under investigation by the provincial Environment Ministry, a spokeswoman has confirmed.

Judge who ruled on when players can join NBA dies

Warren J. Ferguson, a federal judge who helped pave the way for viewers to record TV shows on VCRs and for teenage basketball players to join the NBA in a case involving the Seattle SuperSonics, is dead at age 87.

2 supervisors at raided meatpacking plant arrested

Two supervisors at an Iowa meatpacking plant that was raided by federal immigration agents in May were arrested and charged with encouraging people to live in the United States illegally.

7th victim of helicopter crash dies in hospital

Authorities say the lone survivor of a mid-air crash of two medical helicopters has died at a hospital.

Tropical Storm Bertha churns in the Atlantic

Tropical Storm Bertha is still churning in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa.

Obituaries in the news

Dan Cook

Facts about super yachts

A look at the super yacht industry:

Aghan official says US strikes killed 22 civilians

The U.S. military said airstrikes by its attack helicopters hit two vehicles carrying insurgents in eastern Afghanistan. The province's governor said 22 civilians, including a woman and a child, were killed.

Smooth sailing for yacht builders despite economy

Fuel prices are soaring and credit markets tightening, but the super-rich are still lining up to pay tens of millions of dollars for mega yachts.

Statue of Liberty's crown may reopen to public

The National Park Service is considering reopening Lady Liberty's crown for the first time since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, according to documents a congressman released on July Fourth.

Hundreds remember 9/11 flight crews with sculpture

On a pedestal in a Texas intersection hundreds of miles from where terrorists crashed planes seven years ago, two flight attendants and two pilots, rendered in bronze, now care for a traveling child.

Epic NC politician's life ends on Fourth of July

At Fourth of July parades and barbecues around the Tar Heel state, Jesse Helms' supporters recalled this father of the conservative movement as the man who stood up for traditional values and the defeat of communism - but still had time to help his constituents.

Farmers say salmonella scare has hurt tomato sales

Expect fewer slices of red, ripe tomatoes next to the grill this holiday weekend.

Oil prices fall more than $1 a barrel

Oil prices fell more than $1 a barrel Friday from record levels set a day earlier on hopes that tensions surrounding Iran's nuclear program could ease and cut the chances of American or Israeli military action against OPEC's second-largest oil producer.

EU widens Billiton-Rio Tinto probe

The European Commission on Friday widened its antitrust probe into the proposed acquisition of Rio Tinto Inc. by BHP Billiton Ltd., saying an initial investigation revealed concerns about higher prices and reduced choice for European customers of the mining concerns.

9 convicted in Austria fraud case

Nine people, including a prominent executive who fled to France in an attempt to elude justice, were convicted Friday of criminal charges in a major Austrian bank fraud case linked to the 2005 collapse of New York-based commodities brokerage Refco Inc.

TPG pulls out of Bradford & Bingley plan

Bradford & Bingley PLC said Friday it is revising its plans to raise new capital after U.S. private equity fund Texas Pacific Group pulled out of its agreement to invest more than $350 million in the mortgage banker.

Travel experts: US share of foreign tourists slips

Despite the weak U.S. dollar, a boom in international travel around the world hasn't translated into an explosion of foreign tourists to the United States.

Companies begin quest for oil, gas off Florida

Oil companies once viewed drilling in the deep waters off Florida as cost prohibitive. Politicians feared even the slightest sign of support would be career suicide.

UBS may post small loss for 2Q

UBS AG, Switzerland's largest bank, said Friday it expects its second-quarter results to be "at or slightly below break-even" due to a tax credit that will at least partly offset investment losses. It also said it won't need to ask for more capital when it reports the results next month.

European shares fall, Asia markets mixed

European markets fell and Asian markets were mixed Friday as investors digested uneven readings on the U.S. economy and oil prices that remained near records. Japan posted its 12th straight day of losses.

G-8 meets as economy storm clouds thicken

Between surging oil prices, food inflation and a credit crunch that's depressed global growth, leaders from the Group of Eight economic powers face the gravest combination of economic woes in at least a decade when they gather next week.

Jesse Helms: a polarizer, not a compromiser

"Compromise, hell!" Jesse Helms screamed in a 1959 editorial that captured what would become the legacy of his Senate career and his place in the conservative movement.

Today on the presidential campaign trail

IN THE HEADLINES

Obama and family spend Fourth of July in Montana

It was a family Fourth of July for Democrat Barack Obama as his wife, daughters, sister and other relatives helped him make an Independence Day play for this reliably conservative state.

Guests for the Sunday TV news shows

Guest lineup for the Sunday TV news shows:

Bush welcomes new US citizens on 4th of July

President Bush invoked the memory of Thomas Jefferson Friday in welcoming new U.S. citizens at a naturalization ceremony at Monticello, saying "I'll be proud to call you a fellow American."

Franken tries the switch from comic to Congress

Moving from celebrity to senator isn't exactly an untraveled path. But that doesn't mean comedian Al Franken, who is vying for a Senate seat in Minnesota, will coast to Capitol Hill on a wide, smooth road.

Obama visits traditionally-Republican Montana

Barack Obama is celebrating the 4th of July in Butte, Montana, attending a parade and picnic. It's a state that usually gives its three electoral votes to a Republican. Only two Democrats have carried Montana since 1948. Republicans typically take it for granted and Democrats usually write if off. But this year, Obama is spending a sizeable amount of time and money to try to win it.

White House says ruling could free detainees in US

The White House said Thursday that dangerous detainees at Guantanamo Bay could end up walking Main Street U.S.A. as a result of last month's Supreme Court ruling about detainees' legal rights. Federal appeals courts, however, have indicated they have no intention of letting that happen.

Pentagon extends tour of Marines in Afghanistan

The Pentagon has extended the tour of 2,200 Marines in Afghanistan, after insisting for months the unit would come home on time.

McCain: Staff shake-up part of 'natural evolution'

Republican presidential candidate John McCain said Thursday that a shake-up in the leadership of his campaign was part of a "natural evolution" as the organization becomes more national in scope.

Ky. lawyers face new trial in diet-drug settlement

Two lawyers accused of defrauding their clients in a diet-drug settlement of $65 million were sent back to jail Thursday after a jury deadlocked and a federal judge declared a mistrial.

Scientists: Watermelon yields Viagra-like effects

A slice of cool, fresh watermelon is a juicy way to top off a Fourth of July cookout and one that researchers say has effects similar to Viagra - but don't necessarily expect it to keep the fireworks going all night long.

Haywire brain chemical linked to sudden baby death

Scientists have new evidence that the brain chemical best known for regulating mood also plays a role in the mystifying killer of seemingly healthy babies - sudden infant death syndrome.

Filipina with upside-down feet walks for 1st time

A Filipino teenager who came to New York so doctors could perform surgery to untwist her severely clubbed feet took her first unaided steps Wednesday in pink-and-white sneakers - the first shoes she's ever worn.

Kroger expands ground beef recall to 20 states

First it was the tomatoes. Now it's the beef.

NJ officials warn of lamp oil poisonings

New Jersey officials have issued a health alert saying six people have been sickened by mistaking lamp oil for apple juice, including one person who died.

First floods, now pesky mosquitoes for Midwest

First came the floods - now the mosquitoes. An explosion of pesky insects are pestering clean-up crews and just about anyone venturing outside in the waterlogged Midwest.

FDA panel urges more testing for diabetes drugs

Diabetes drugs should face tougher safety standards that could cost manufacturers millions but protect patients from unforeseen heart risks, a government panel has recommended.

Skeeter advice: Wear repellent, avoid perfumes

Flooding, heavy rains and summer heat have produced a bumper crop of pesky mosquitoes, particularly in the waterlogged Midwest. Here's how experts recommend avoiding the bugs and treating their bites:

More than 4,000 Danes may have salmonella

Danish health officials fear more than 4,000 people may be infected with salmonella and are checking everything from refrigerators to credit card receipts to find the source of what may be the worst outbreak in 15 years.

Carlos: More concerned with humanity than medals

For those athletes thinking about taking a stand in Beijing, John Carlos supports you.

Phelps sets record; Torres makes 5th Olympic team

Michael Phelps set another world record. No surprise there.

World Series of Poker players spice up side pots

It takes plenty of confidence and oodles of cash just to play in the World Series of Poker main event, but the world's best rounders are making things even spicier by raising the stakes against one another.

41-year-old Torres going back to the Olympics

Forty-one-year-old Dara Torres completed her improbable Olympic comeback, making the U.S. team for the fifth time by winning the 100-meter freestyle at the U.S. Olympic trials.

Phelps does it again, sets world record in 200 IM

Michael Phelps has set another world record, beating Ryan Lochte in the 200-meter individual medley at the U.S. Olympic trials.

Edmonds' return to St. Louis stirs up ex-manager

Cardinals manager Tony La Russa wasn't exactly overjoyed to see his former star center fielder back in town wearing a Chicago Cubs uniform.

Peirsol beats Lochte, ties 200 back world record

Aaron Peirsol has tied the world record in the 200-meter backstroke at the U.S. Olympic trials, beating rival Ryan Lochte in 1 minute, 54.32 seconds.

Soni wins 200 breaststroke at US trials

Rebecca Soni has won the 200-meter breaststroke at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials, and Amanda Beard's also heading to Beijing.

DEI sweeps front row at Daytona

Although Dale Earnhardt Inc. might not be a championship contender, it showed Friday it still can be a force at Daytona International Speedway.

Helton placed on 15-day DL, Koshansky recalled

A Colorado Rockies' season soured by injury and inconsistency took yet another ugly turn Friday when slumping slugger Todd Helton went on the disabled list for just the third time in his career.

Brewers downplay Sabathia trade rumors

If the Brewers are considered a front-runner in the C.C. Sabathia sweepstakes, manager Ned Yost wanted nothing to do with it on Friday.

On the fence: Youkilis drive sits on wall

Kevin Youkilis' drive squirted out of the webbing of Johnny Damon's glove and bounced up off the top of the left-field wall in the third inning of Friday's game between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees.

Braves' Francoeur is sent to minors

Slumping Braves outfielder Jeff Francoeur was sent to the minors to work on his hitting, with his average having dropped to .234.

Indians designate RHP Joe Borowski for assignment

Indians closer Joe Borowski, last year's American League saves leader, was designated for assignment on Friday.

Just how close 'friends' are Madonna and A-Rod?

A-Rod and the Material Girl? That's a lot of hits. Reports that Yankees superstar Alex Rodriguez and Madonna have become close just as their marriages are disintegrating have both the celebrity gossip industry and the sporting world - each a chatty bunch - buzzing with questions about the two "friends."

Selig: Drug program threatened by prosecutors

Baseball's drug-testing program was threatened when federal prosecutors seized player records and samples four years ago, baseball commissioner Bud Selig and union head Donald Fehr said in letters to Congress released Thursday.

McNamee asks for Clemens suit to be dismissed

Brian McNamee asked a federal court late Wednesday to dismiss Roger Clemens' defamation lawsuit or move the case to New York.

Report: Alex Rodriguez has split from wife

Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez and his wife have split less than three months after the birth of the couple's second daughter, according to a report in the New York Daily News.

Hank Steinbrenner: Yankees' bats need to wake up

Joe Girardi hadn't heard Hank Steinbrenner's searing comments about the New York Yankees. The manager didn't have to guess what they were about.

A's agree to terms with Dominican prospect Inoa

The Oakland Athletics and prized 16-year-old pitching prospect Michael Inoa agreed Wednesday to a minor league contract with a $4.25 million signing bonus.

Report: Duhon agrees to deal with Knicks

Chris Duhon verbally agreed to a deal with the New York Knicks on Friday, the point guard and his agent told The Sporting News.

Star point guard Paul, Hornets agree to new deal

Chris Paul and the Hornets reached a contract agreement Thursday that could keep the All-Star point guard with the team for at least the next four seasons.

Reports: Arenas agrees to $111M deal with Wizards

Gilbert Arenas has agreed to re-sign with the Washington Wizards for $111 million over six years, essentially taking millions less so that his team could have more financial flexibility, two newspapers reported Thursday.

Oklahoma City gets ready to rejoin major leagues

Mayor Mick Cornett was in a conference room waiting for a meeting to get started when City Manager Jim Couch walked in and handed him a slip of paper with a single word on it: "Done."

Seattle faces challenges to bring NBA back

As the SuperSonics pack for the move to Oklahoma City, basketball fans and city officials were hopeful about the provisions of the team's departure deal that could lead to a new NBA franchise in Seattle.

Judge declares mistrial; jury deadlocks on 2 lawyers charged with diet-drug settlement fraud.

Magic sign No. 22 pick Courtney Lee

The Orlando Magic signed first-round draft pick Courtney Lee on Thursday.

Beasley catches elbow, leaves first Heat practice

Michael Beasley's first official practice with the Miami Heat ended quickly.

Last-minute deal lets Sonics move to Oklahoma City

Clay Bennett finally found a dollar amount that would sever his contentious relationship with the city of Seattle - $75 million.

Source: Diop headed back to Dallas

The Dallas Mavericks had to give up DeSagana Diop to get Jason Kidd. Now, the 7-foot center is headed back to Dallas.

Favre considers return to NFL or does he?

Brett Favre dismissed an ESPN report that he's considering coming out of retirement as "all rumor."

Chargers' Foley settles with police officer

Former San Diego Chargers linebacker Steve Foley has agreed to settle his lawsuit against a police officer who shot him off-duty two years ago and ended his pro football career.

Judge declares mistrial for former Bengal WR

A judge has declared a mistrial in the assault case of former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry.

Patriots DB Andrews arrested for assault with gun

New England Patriots defensive back Willie Andrews was held without bail Monday after allegedly pointing a handgun at his girlfriend's head.

Bail set for man held in Raiders' Walker case

A man charged with kidnapping, beating and robbing Javon Walker this month after the Oakland wide receiver spent a night club-hopping was held Friday on bail totaling $86,000.

Buffalo Bills' Lynch loses license over hit-run

Bills running back Marshawn Lynch had his driver's license revoked in traffic court on Friday after saying he didn't know he hit someone while driving on a Buffalo street last month.

Goodell: NFL rookie pay scale 'ridiculous'

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said it's "ridiculous" to reward untested rookies with lucrative contracts, and wants the issue addressed in contract talks.

Buffalo Bills' Lynch loses license over hit-run

Bills running back Marshawn Lynch had his driver's license revoked in traffic court on Friday after saying he didn't know he hit someone while driving on a Buffalo street last month.

Baltimore Ravens training real ravens as mascots

Baltimore Ravens fans could see real ravens this season.

Foreclosure sale of 'Pacman' Jones' home postponed

A foreclosure sale on the home of former Tennessee Titan Adam "Pacman" Jones has been postponed until next month.

Howell, Love among first in PGA to have drug tests

In the 237 times Charles Howell III has teed it up on the PGA Tour, he never had a round end like Thursday at the AT&T National. After signing for an even-par 70, he was handed a pink slip. Howell was among the first players chosen for testing under the tour's Anti-Doping Program that went into effect this week.

Recovering Woods says knee was sore 10-12 years

Tiger Woods does not know when he can play golf again, but he said Monday his rebuilt left knee has been sore his entire PGA Tour career and he looks forward to playing on two good legs.

Mediate makes the most of his brush with Tiger

Rocco Mediate was told a story about how a father and his 3-year-old daughter were riveted to the U.S. Open, walking from "Dora the Explorer" to watch the 72nd hole when Tiger Woods made a putt to force a playoff.

Tiger has knee surgery; doctor says 'no surprises'

Tiger Woods had reconstructive surgery on his left knee Tuesday in Utah to repair a torn ligament, and doctors said it was "highly unlikely" there would be any long-term effects. It was the second time in 10 weeks Woods had surgery on his knee, this time on his anterior cruciate ligament.

Doctors say Woods should recover from injuries

Doctors who treat the kinds of knee and leg injuries that ended Tiger Woods' victorious season have one word for his U.S. Open victory - remarkable.

Nicklaus even more amazed at Tiger's victory

Jack Nicklaus always thought the U.S. Open was the hardest and most complete test in golf. That's what made Tiger Woods' victory even more impressive to the man whose major record Woods is trying to beat.

Knee surgery for Woods creates headache for others

Tiger Woods was must-see TV at the U.S. Open, making birdie on the final hole to force a playoff, another clutch birdie the next day to extend the playoff and winning his 14th major on what amounted to one good leg.

Hicks in lead at Open, with Woods still in it

There's only one Tiger Woods.

Study: Puttering about on golf carts has its risks

Beware: Puttering around on golf carts can be hazardous to your health.

Lefty believes elusive US Open finally is in reach

This is one U.S. Open where Phil Mickelson should feel right at home. He grew up in San Diego and played high school matches at Torrey Pines. His photo hangs from the concourse in the San Diego airport, along with the city's other famous athletes.

Sharks grab D Dan Boyle from Lightning for Carle

Although Dan Boyle felt betrayed when the Tampa Bay Lightning decided to trade him, the standout defenseman is feeling much better about it after landing with the San Jose Sharks.

Jagr signs with Avangard Omsk in Russian League

Jaromir Jagr signed with a Russian team a day after his split with the New York Rangers, leaving the NHL after nearly two decades and returning to the club he joined during the 2004-05 lockout.

Penguins sign goalie Fleury for $35 million

The Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday signed goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury to a seven-year, $35 million contract, the third long-term deal inked with one of their younger players in two days.

Rangers sign Naslund, Kalinin; say goodbye to Jagr

Just as the New York Rangers ushered in the Markus Naslund era on Broadway, they turned out the lights on the Jaromir Jagr show. Naslund, the longtime Vancouver Canucks captain, agreed to terms Thursday with New York on a two-year deal worth $8 million.

Sharks sign veteran defenseman Rob Blake

Rob Blake is heading up the California coast, hoping to end his stellar NHL career with a shot at another Stanley Cup title in San Jose.

Evgeni Malkin re-signs with Penguins for 5 years

Evgeni Malkin is staying in Pittsburgh for quite some time. The Penguins signed the MVP finalist to a five-year extension worth $43.5 million on Wednesday, a deal that will keep him under contract until 2013-14. The 21-year-old forward still has one year left on his initial three-year, entry level contract.

Marian Hossa signs with champion Detroit Red Wings

Marian Hossa chose to join the Detroit Red Wings at a discount. He hopes hoisting the Stanley Cup will make it worth the sacrifice.

'Canes sign Melichar, give Pitkanen $12M contract

The Carolina Hurricanes found the physical defenseman they've been looking for, while also signing another addition to the team's blue line.

Dallas Stars sign premier agitator Sean Avery

The Dallas Stars know all about Sean Avery - his history of mouthing off to teammates as well as foes, that he's a two-time NHL leader in penalty minutes whose agitating tricks included a "bush league" stunt in the playoffs that the league quickly banned.

Thrashers sign free-agent defenseman Hainsey

The Atlanta Thrashers signed free agent defenseman Ron Hainsey on Wednesday, adding size and youth to their blue line.

Game over: struggling UK basketball museum closes

The University of Kentucky Basketball Museum has shut its doors due to falling attendance and financial problems.

Fulmer, Pearl get new deals through 2014

Tennessee signed football coach Phillip Fulmer and basketball coach Bruce Pearl to new deals Wednesday that will keep them with the Volunteers through 2014.

Longtime college coach John Pont dies at 80

John Pont, who guided Indiana to its only Rose Bowl appearance 40 years ago and also coached at Northwestern, Yale and Miami of Ohio, died Tuesday. He was 80.

UCLA, Howland agree to seven-year deal

UCLA coach Ben Howland, who has guided the Bruins to the Final Four each of the past three years, agreed to a new seven-year contract with the university Tuesday.

IU president: Sampson shouldn't have been hired

Indiana University's president told the NCAA infractions committee that the hiring of ousted basketball coach Kelvin Sampson was "a risk that should not have been taken."

Groce hired as men's basketball coach at Ohio U

Ohio University has hired Ohio State assistant John Groce as its men's basketball coach.

Indiana AD to resign amid NCAA basketball probe

Indiana athletic director Rick Greenspan will resign at the end of December amid new NCAA allegations that the school failed to monitor the men's basketball team.

Wis. court revives suit in death at Camp Randall

An appeals court has reinstated a lawsuit brought by family members of an ABC Sports cameraman who died in 2003 after he fell from a platform at Camp Randall Stadium.

UConn assistant set to replace Staley at Temple

Longtime Connecticut assistant Tonya Cardoza will replace Dawn Staley as women's basketball coach at Temple, a person with knowledge of the hiring said Wednesday.

UConn hands Geno Auriemma 5-year, $8M extension

Geno Auriemma signed a deal that will keep the Hall of Fame coach on Connecticut's sideline through 2013.

Martin joins Hendrick, replacing Mears next year

Running a partial schedule the past two years, Mark Martin was able to rekindle his passion for racing and ponder the championship that has eluded him his entire career.

Transition to road races leveling playing field

Some IndyCar drivers have never been happier to see a few right-hand turns.

Randy Moss buys 50 percent of truck team

Troy Aikman. Terry Bradshaw. Tim Brown. Julius Erving. Jackie Joyner-Kersee. Jim Kelly. Mark Rypien. Roger Staubach.

NHRA changing priorities in wake of tragedy

The death of Scott Kalitta has shaken up the NHRA and sent the organization, its owners and drivers back to the drawing board on safety issues.

Formula One urges changes to cut costs

Formula One wants to cut team budgets in half and improve fuel efficiency by 2011 to improve racing.

Coulthard announces retirement

David Coulthard has announced he will retire from Formula One at the end of the season.

NHRA shortens top division races

Eleven days after Scott Kalitta was killed in a racing accident, the NHRA reduced the length of Top Fuel and Funny Car races from a quarter-mile to 1,000 feet Wednesday in an interim safety measure.

Chip Ganassi shuts down Franchitti's team

NASCAR team owner Chip Ganassi shut down Dario Franchitti's race team Tuesday because of a lack of sponsorship, putting the former IndyCar Series champion's future in doubt.

Mears and Hendrick to part ways at end of season

Casey Mears will be looking for a new ride in 2009.

Busch wins 5th race of year with victory in Sonoma

Kyle Busch snapped the slump that plagued him the past two weeks, racing to his first Sprint Cup Series win on a road course Sunday at Infineon Raceway.

Spitzer call girl drops Girls Gone Wild lawsuit

The call girl involved in a scandal that brought down New York's former governor has dropped a lawsuit claiming "Girls Gone Wild" founder Joe Francis exploited her image and name on the Internet.

Lost scenes shown from sci-fi classic 'Metropolis'

Lost scenes from the sci-fi classic "Metropolis," recently discovered in the archives of a Buenos Aires museum, were shown to journalists for the first time in decades on Thursday.

Comic book artist Michael Turner dies at 37

Michael Turner, a comic book artist who drew covers for major titles such as "Superman/Batman," "The Flash" and "Civil War,'" has died. He was 37.

Prado says 'Colossus' is not the work of Goya

For years Spain's famed Prado museum had its suspicions about one of its most prized Goyas. Now the museum says it is certain the painting is not by the 18th-century master.

Winehouse sings in Spain, glass of wine in hand

Soul diva Amy Winehouse sipped from a glass of red wine and looked a bit unsteady on her feet as she appeared in front of a large audience at the Rock in Rio music festival southeast of Madrid on Friday.

Brinkley split is newest image-crushing NY divorce

When the media capital of the world meets a celebrity divorce, it's a breakup made in tabloid heaven. So the city that has hosted the spectacular splits of Woody Allen, Liza Minnelli and Rudolph Giuliani now is feasting on the salacious details of model Christie Brinkley's fourth marital breakup.

Barbershop faces a discord among members

As thousands of singers converge on Nashville for an international convention of barbershop harmony music, the old-fashioned music style is facing discord among its fans.

Brangelina twins will always have Nice

They'll always have Nice.

Man claims assault by Eminem in 2006 in Detroit

A man has sued Eminem, claiming the rapper punched him two years ago while they were in the bathroom of a Detroit strip club.

Workers at Milan's La Scala plan strike

Workers at Milan's famed La Scala opera house say they will stage a strike next week that will cancel the first three performances of Franco Zeffirelli's production of "La Boheme."

French and tourists seem indifferent to Brangelina

Partially eclipsed by the glitterati of Cannes and the royal glare of Monaco, Nice is a place where even the brightest stars - like Brangelina - are greeted by little more than indifference.

Brinkley: Husband's affair 'shattered' my life

A tearful Christie Brinkley testified at her divorce trial Thursday that she was devastated by her husband's affair with a teenager and his attempts to find other paramours through pornographic Web sites.

Spielberg group gives $1M to Pa. Jewish museum

A foundation created by Steven Spielberg is giving $1 million to the National Museum of American Jewish History.

Will Smith's kids see `daddy being mean' in film

Will Smith usually plays the hero in his summer blockbusters. But in "Hancock," he drinks, swears, mouths off - and goes to prison.

Movie productions keep rolling despite uncertainty

On-location movie shoots are on the rise in Los Angeles, despite repeated warnings from Hollywood studios that the possibility of an actors strike had stalled moviemaking, a permitting group said Wednesday.

Judge: Snipes can travel abroad for movies

Wesley Snipes will be allowed to leave the United States to work on two movies while his lawyers appeal his tax convictions.

TMZ allowed to repost portion of actor's sex tape

The woman in a sex tape featuring Verne Troyer - best known for his role in the "Austin Powers" movies - says she allowed celebrity Web site TMZ to broadcast snippets of the tape.

Mom of alleged Lohan sister 'wanted it exposed'

The father of a 13-year-old girl who may be Lindsay Lohan's half-sister said the family went public with the story after Lohan's father, Michael, repeatedly refused to provide support.

Tatum O'Neal pleads guilty to disorderly conduct

Tatum O'Neal has pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct in connection with her June cocaine possession arrest in lower Manhattan.

Jolie goes to hospital to give birth to twins

Angelina Jolie has gone into the hospital in the south of France where she expects to give birth to twins.

Paisley says working with Griffith a highlight

Brad Paisley says he got to mark a biggie off his wish list when Andy Griffith agreed to be in the video for his new single, "Waitin' On a Woman."

Donna Summer adds sweet sounds to summer tour

Donna Summer says she approached her summer tour like a chocolate-chip cookie.

Springsteen remembers NJ boardwalk fortuneteller

Bruce Springsteen is paying tribute to a boardwalk fortuneteller he made famous in a song.

Kylie Minogue honored at Buckingham Palace

Britain has honored Australian singer Kylie Minogue for her services to music.

Chevy Chase to host Newport Jazz Festival again

Live from Newport: it's Chevy Chase. Chase, the comic actor and original cast member of "Saturday Night Live" will host the Newport Jazz Festival for the second year in a row.

2008 Essence Music Festival begins Friday

From her rebuilt but not yet fully furnished home, Irma Thomas anchors her faith in the rebirth of New Orleans to the return of the Essence Music Festival.

DMX arrested in Phoenix on outstanding warrants

DMX has been arrested at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on outstanding warrants.

Milan opera house workers threaten strike

Workers at La Scala opera house in Milan are threatening to stage a strike next week that would cancel the first three performances of "La Boheme."

Rape charge dropped against Poison drummer

A rape charge against Rikki Rockett has been dropped after authorities determined that the Poison drummer was not in the state at the time of the alleged crime.

Matthews Band sax player injured in ATV wreck

Dave Matthews Band sax player LeRoi Moore is recovering from an ATV accident on his Virginia farm.

Larry Harmon, longtime Bozo the Clown, dead at 83

Larry Harmon wasn't the original Bozo the Clown, but he was the real one. Harmon, who portrayed the wing-haired clown for more than half a century, died Thursday of congestive heart failure, said his publicist, Jerry Digney. He was 83.

Rachael Ray employee claims anorexia bias

A former accountant for Rachael Ray's TV cooking show has filed a $1 million lawsuit saying he was forced out of his job because he has an eating disorder.

Priestley says music industry 'a mess' but works

Jason Priestley says he got a crash course on the Nashville music industry while directing a reality series about the Canadian band the Road Hammers.

Tears flow at `Army Wives' screening

Tears flowed freely when two of TV's "Army Wives" met the real-life women they portray on the Lifetime series.

Sheriff says Discovery Channel won't film at jail

Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez says the Discovery Channel has changed plans and will not do a documentary about the jail after a judge blocked filming.

Sheryl Crow urges preservation of wild mustangs

Sheryl Crow is urging people to get involved in saving America's wild horses.

Auto racing is No. 1 on cable TV

Rankings for the top 15 programs on cable networks as compiled by Nielsen Media Research for the week of June 23-29. Day and start time (EDT) are in parentheses:

Haysbert: Prez role on `24' may have helped Obama

Dennis Haysbert likes to believe his portrayal as the first African-American U.S. president on Fox's "24" may have helped pave the way for Barack Obama.

Prime-time `stars' of summer are regular folks

The prime-time "stars" of this summer are regular folks willing to humiliate themselves on national television.

List of top 20 prime-time shows in Nielsen ratings

Prime-time viewership numbers compiled by Nielsen Media Research for June 23-29. Listings include the week's ranking, with viewership for the week and season-to-date rankings in parentheses. An "X" in parentheses denotes a one-time-only presentation.